Special Council meeting (2026 budget adoption), December 11, 2025
Attendance
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price and Councillors Marcus Lindqvist, Priya Raman, Tom Beaudry, Grace Whitlock, Arjun Sidhu, and Helen Marchetti were present. City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk attended in an advisory capacity. All members were present.
Delegations
No delegations were scheduled for this meeting.
Reports and decisions
2026 Operating and Capital Budgets — Administration presented the draft 2026 operating and capital budgets. The operating budget totals $385 million and the capital programme totals $42 million. The package includes a proposed property tax increase of 6.1 per cent to fund essential services and infrastructure upgrades. Council adopted the budget packages as presented. Carried unanimously.
Capital Project Priorities — Council reviewed the funded capital projects for 2026. Key investments include $12 million for road resurfacing across residential and arterial streets, $8 million for park and trail improvements, and $15 million for transit fleet and equipment upgrades. Funding is secured through development charges, reserve transfers, and provincial grants. Carried unanimously.
Public Review and Final Adoption — The City Manager confirmed that the draft budget was released to the public on December 12, 2025, for a two-week review period. You can submit feedback through Wrenford 311 or attend the public hearing on December 29. Council directed staff to finalize the adoption resolution before the end of the year. Carried unanimously.
Tax Levy Preparation — Council directed staff to prepare the 2026 Tax Levy By-law 2026-044 and ensure all interim and final tax bills are mailed on schedule. Pre-authorized payment and instalment plans will be available as usual. Carried unanimously.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed at this meeting. The 2026 Tax Levy By-law 2026-044 will be introduced at a subsequent regular meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.